Facilities & Access

Our aim is to make the Norris Museum as accessible as possible, for as many people as possible.Entry to the museum and galleries are all <b>step free</b> and wheel-chair accessible. There is also <b>level access</b> to the conservation room and research room.We have two toilets. One is a small unisex toilet, the other is a larger <b>unisex accessible toilet with baby changing facilities</b>.For the galleries and exhibitions themselves, there are tactile objects, as well as transcripts and subtitles available for the more interactive activities. <b>Supported and guided visits can be arranged in advance</b>.Should a member of your group require a ‘<b>quiet place</b>‘ during their visit, we have a window seat which overlooks the peaceful river. A nice spot if a member of your group is a little overwhelmed, or if you require a restful place to breastfeed.We have a <b>“Visual Story Guide” </b>and <b>“Sensory Map” </b>which are available from both the museum’s front desk and to download from our website here: <a href='http://www.norrismuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Visual-Story.pdf'><b><i>Visual Story</i></b></a> and <a href='http://www.norrismuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sensory-Map-1.pdf'><b><i>Sensory Map</i></b></a>. These hope to support people with planning their visit to the museum. They contain pictures and information about some of the things you can expect to see and do here. To find out more about The Visual Story Guide please email Susan at <a href='mailto:communities@norrismuseum.org.uk'>communities@norrismuseum.org.uk</a>.We also have <b>Gallery Activity Bags</b> available to borrow for free while exploring the museum gallery. Our <b>Explorer Bags</b> contain objects for the user to examine, as well as clues that encourage them to explore the museum and see what they can find.Our <b>Sensory Bags</b> have been designed to support and calm senses while exploring the museum, they include ear defenders, fidget toys, BSL out and about cards, emotions fan, and more. You can download information about each bag here: <a href='http://www.norrismuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Explorer-Bags-info-to-pass-on.pdf'><b><i>Explorer Bags</i></b></a>&nbsp;and <a href='http://www.norrismuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Sensory-Bags-info-to-pass-on.pdf'><b><i>Sensory Bags</i></b></a>.If you require further information, would like to reserve the use of one of our Activity Bags, or have a request that would make your visit easier, <b>please contact us to see how we can help</b> – <a href='mailto:info@norrismuseum.org.uk'>info@norrismuseum.org.uk</a>